Derek Chen

Derek Chen is the founder of Council Design. A designer in his own right—by way of Engineering School and Silicon Valley—he is also the founder of Urbana Design, a company named after the Illinois city where he spent much of his childhood. Through Urbana Design, Chen produces sleek tabletop items and contemporary furniture. His work has been covered in media outlets including Wallpaper*, The New York Times, InStyle, and Plaza. Chen’s work reveals the engineer’s eye for the strategic application of technology as well as an awareness of the visual and tactile appeal of natural forms and materials—it is an easy blend of high-tech and hand-craftsmanship. He lives and works in San Francisco.